All things Girlie

I haven't mentioned about Mothers' Day or my great "Girlie Weekend" with my dear friends.



First off....my weekend with my friends was absolutely delightful! I always learn so much from our coversations; they motivate me to be a better mother; we have discussions until wee hours of the morning; we exchange our annual "favorite things"; and I just love these girls so much! I look forward to this weekend all year - and it never dissappoints.

This year we spent time in sunny St. George shopping, eating, spaing, eating, talking, and eating. (Did I mention eating?) I feel so blessed to have these amazing women in my life.



Mothers Day was fabulous. I love the homemade cards and gifts from the kids...they are by far my favorite gift.



It is crazy to think that I am the mother of 5 kids! FIVE.....that is a lot of responsibility. I am grateful that I have been entrusted with these amazing children.

There is nothing harder or more rewarding than being a mother....and I love it!

Being a mother has definitely made me appreciate my own mom....who is amazing. Thanks Mom for raising me the way you did. You always wanted the best for me, and taught me what true determination and dedication is. I love you!

And thanks to Brandon's mom...who raised him to be an honorable, wonderful, caring, and motivated dad and husband. You are an incredible woman with so many talents and gifts. You bless our lives!

Happy Mom's Day!

Craziness!!

I have not posted the past couple of weeks, not because I haven't desparately wanted to, but because of pure craziness! It seems like we have had more things/projects to do the past couple of weeks than normal. And my large belly in front of me is stopping me from going as fast as I am usually able to. So, here is a little recap....

First a weekend with 10 of my closest friends!

We started doing this three years ago, and it has become a yearly tradition. We were all great friends in high school, and still see each other regularly. I have had many people tell me how rare this is - and I believe it. What is even more rare is that all of these women are remarkable, and I learn so much from them about being a mother, friend, wife, and person from them. I feel so blessed to have them in my life. This was the first time that we were all together - many flying in from very far away - and it was wonderful!

We laughed, cried, ate, stayed up way to late talking, and shopped until we were exhausted. It was pure joy! We also gave each other our "favorite things". This is always a highlight of the trip. We each bring/make our favorite thing for the year - and give one to each person. We decided that it is better than Christmas, because we will genuinely use everything we receive.

It was such a fun weekend, and I am so grateful for wonderful friends.

Next was preparing for my Dad's 60th Birthday Party. It was a surprise - and that is no easy feat to pull off with my Dad! I decided to make a DVD of his life, which turned out great - but was a lot of time. I had to scan most of the pictures (because they were older), and of course my scanner didn't work which meant I had to go to my mother-in-laws house. This makes it so much more difficult. Not to mention that I really didn't start until the week of, (I always work better under pressure). Needless to say, it turned out great, and I had fun doing it!

He really was happy - just didn't smile for the camera

We actually did surprise my Dad, and the party was a success! Many friends and family were there and it was a night to remember.

Looking pretty good at 60!

There was actually another surprise to add to the party, that even my mom did not know about. My sister Sharielle flew into town to surprise my parents. She arrived after the party started, rang the doorbell, and my Dad answered. Lets just say it was the best surprise....tears were flowing from both parents. That is always the way we know if we pulled off a good surprise! Shaundee and I definitely had to do some creative lying to pull this one off - but it was worth it.

Best of all, we got to take a picture of all of our pregnant bellies together. Something that will not happen again, seeing as Shaundee is ready to have a baby any day now!

Shar - 20 wks, Me- 34 wks, Shaundee - 38 wks


Oh yea, and on Saturday was my dance group's spring show! Halle and Jaicee did so great, and it is nice to have it finished. My body couldn't take another week of jumping up and down with 3 year olds! So, between the dress rehearsal the day before, and the show, it was a busy weekend to say the least!

Best of all, however, was being with my sisters! We don't get to all be together very often, so it is definitely time I cherish. We laugh until we cry - literally, and it is so much fun. Thanks Shar for flying out and spending time with us!